Other services have not changed XE.com for 1, rate is good transfer is slow.

@Jesper ******

and you may never.

Doesn't change that it is being done.

@Jesper ******

all aliens, regardless of visa, can be subject to Inspection at any time.

In Phuket;

Marriage, retirement, ED, nonb are routinely inspected and sometimes it seems very randomly. OR is it?🤷‍♂️.

@Wak *******

even very well connected agents cannot get bank accounts for tourists right now.

@Belinda *******

this has always been the rule. Not new

@Charlotte ************

stm2, 9 and 11

Worst case they have already setup terminals at arrivals to do it on-site with help available.

@Jim *******

an embassy will accept either for the initial visa in your home country.

However Thai Immigration requires an embassy letter endorsing income for the extension which the US , CANADA and others no longer provide.

Therefore to do an extension IN thailand you need the 800k to start.

After transferring 65k per month for the entire first extension you can apply by using income proof of bank statements.

@Peter *******

yes leaving the 800k in is the smartest path.

The OP is asking about income method, which is fine for the original overseas visa BUT not extension in Thailand .

To do an extension in Thailand with income you need an embassy endorsement OR proof of 12 mths deposit into your Thai account.

The combination method is not accepted at all immigration offices.

@Jim *******

as a US citizen.

You could try an LTR visa, if you qualify by income.

You can purchase an Elite visa at a million or more baht.

IF you get a 90 day non-o or 1yr OA visa from the embassy in the US you may qualify for income.

BUT you will not be able to use income for a 1year extension in country as the US embassy does not issue income letters to support it.

You would need to deposit 800k baht in a Thai bank for at least the first year and

deposit a minimum of 65k baht per month for an entire year before applying for the next extension based on income.

Once you have a visa from an embassy you enter and can open a bank account.

Oyust only be in your name.

Of your enter visa exempt you will not likely be able to open the account without an agents help $$.